George Fels' Column in July BD

I always look forward to reading George Fels' column in BD. Mr. Fels doesn't romanticize characters or situations; he observes clearly, describes honestly, and makes points that mean something to adult readers.

I found "Racking by Hand" especially satisfying, probably because I identified to some extent with Harry Paul--an absolutely unromantic character--and because Mr. Fels reacted strongly to Ray Maples. "A plump vicious oaf with an even fatter mouth" is damn good writing and describes a type I really dislike. Mr. Fels can balance detachment and indignation, and that isn't easy.

Thanks for the good stuff, George.

D.M.

You're more than welcome, Duke, and thank YOU for the feedback. I like your moniker, too; I'm very possibly the only poster here who's old enough to remember "The Petrified Forest". Thanks again for writing. Glad you liked the column. GF

[Tom_In_Cincy]

George,
I celebrated my 25th anniversary of my 29th birthday last year.. and I remember "The Petrified Forest" also.

BD is the only periodical that I always go to the last page FIRST, to see what GF has written...

[NH_Steve]

I head straight to the last page as well (you know what they say about dessert first /ccboard/images/icons/smile.gif )! Naturally the occasional mention of one pocket perks my interest, too /ccboard/images/icons/smile.gif /ccboard/images/icons/smile.gif

PS How's that Talisman tip working out -- still got the magic touch??

George, I don't know the man's name, but in the 60's Minnisota Fats had a man that traveled with him when he did exibitions that racked by hand. Jim R.

Besides my inexplicable success with it, Steve, the notable thing about that Talisman tip was that it only lasted about eight weeks! It was worn down completely by then; when the tip guy removed what was left, it was all soft and squishy like a sponge. We now think it was a Talisman PROTOTYPE - Talisman agrees - and I've been using Moori softs.

My thanks to you and Tom for the kind words, and Tom, I just celebrated my THIRTY-fifth anniversary of the same birthday. GF